The St. John’s ICARE Foundation hosted its second annual Blue Phoenix Gala on June 5 at the Garden City Hotel, raising over $400,000 for Episcopal Health Services’ (EHS) new Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) suite. The event aimed to support maternal care improvements in the Rockaway and Five Towns communities.
Nancy Leghart, Executive Director of the ICARE Foundation, expressed gratitude for the community’s support: “The outpouring of support for the Blue Phoenix Gala speaks volumes about our community’s commitment to the mission and vision of EHS.”
During the gala, Sheldon H. Genack, MD, FACS, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at EHS, received the inaugural CEO’s Distinguished Service Award. Felicia Johnson was honored with the Dr. Edward Williams Jr. Community Service Award for her extensive service to Rockaway.
More than 400 attendees included EHS board trustees and executive leaders who gathered to celebrate and raise funds for EHS initiatives. Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer of EHS stated: “The establishment of our Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum suite is a long-overdue stride for our community.”
Cheryl Wills served as emcee for an evening that featured performances by singer/songwriter Norman Alexander among others. Notable recognitions included the Philanthropic Legacy Award presented to EHS Medical Staff and an Innovator in Healthcare Award given to Notable.
Entertainment was provided by various artists including Pablo Lanouguere Jazz Trio and Mentalist David Schwartz.
Sponsors such as Jzanus and Delmont Medical Care were acknowledged for their contributions.
Episcopal Health Services Inc., based in Queens’ Rockaway Peninsula provides comprehensive healthcare services irrespective of patients’ financial capabilities.
